This week brought the news that Disney has found their new Ariel, as Halle Bailey has been cast in the titular role for their upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. The casting of an African-American actress as a character who was depicted as Caucasian in the animated version has caused a loud backlash online, but also thankfully an even louder surge of support for Bailey’s hiring.
In fact, a lot of fans have followed through on Bailey’s casting as Ariel and have chosen their top pick to play King Triton, Ariel’s stubborn father and ruler of the ocean kingdom of Atlantica. You can probably guess who it is as he’s always at the front of fan castings for any role going: Idris Elba.
Now, digital artist Boss Logic has created this awesome piece which gives the British star a tail and long white hair and a beard, matching the cartoon character’s look.
Triton hasn’t been cast just yet, but a few other key roles have. Melissa McCarthy has signed up to play Ursula, the evil sea witch who steals Ariel’s voice. Jacob Tremblay, meanwhile, is set to voice Flounder and Awkwafina is a gender-swapped Scuttle the seagull. Alongside the king, other major parts yet to be filled include Sebastian the crab and Prince Eric, Ariel’s beloved.
The internet has a lot of ideas for who should play Eric, too, including Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan. But some have rightly pointed out that the 19-year-old Bailey should have a love interest her own age, meaning the actor Disney ends up going with may be less well known than the sort of candidates fans are suggesting.
Tell us, though, do you think Idris Elba would make a great King Triton in The Little Mermaid remake? And are you looking forward to the movie in general? Let us know in the comments section below.
